Mali’s armed forces said on Saturday (April 25), that they had repelled coordinated attacks by armed groups targeting several cities, adding that the situation was now under control.

In a statement read on Mali armed forces TV , the army said “terrorist armed groups” attempted assaults in the morning of April 25 but were met with a swift response. It said several attackers were “neutralised” and equipment destroyed, crediting the outcome to the “professionalism and commitment” of its forces.

The military added that clearance operations were ongoing and urged the public to remain calm, warning against sharing unverified videos or messages that could fuel concern. It said people should rely only on official channels for information.

Earlier, witnesses reported heavy gunfire near the main military base in Kati, outside the capital Bamako, as well as unrest in other parts of the country.

Mali has faced persistent attacks by jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, alongside separatist rebellions in the north, despite assurances from military leaders who took power in coups in 2020 and 2021 that security would improve.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

KIDAL, MALI (RELEASED APRIL 25, 2026) (SOCIAL MEDIA - No Archive / No Resales / News Use Only) (ORIGINALLY SHOT IN PORTRAIT)

1. ARMED MEMBERS OF AN UNIDENTIFIED GROUP GATHERED IN THE CENTRE OF KIDAL, MALI / SMOKE IS SEEN BEHIND BUILDING IN THE DISTANCE

BAMAKO, MALI (APRIL 25, 2026) (MALI ARMED FORCES TV - Access All)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (French) MALIAN OFFICER, NO NAME GIVEN, SAYING:

"Good morning and welcome to this special bulletin. The general staff of the armed forces informs the national public that on the morning of April 25, 2026, armed terrorist groups attempted attacks in certain cities of the country. They immediately suffered violent setbacks thanks to the professionalism and commitment of FAMA (Malian Armed Forces). Several terrorists were neutralized and equipment destroyed. Cleanup operations continue. The situation is under control. The general staff of the armed forces calls on the population to remain calm and to show discernment. Do not relay videos or propaganda messages aimed at fueling general concern. In this context, it is imperative to refer exclusively to official channels to obtain reliable information. We will return with more information."